We asked our advisory board member Renee Nuth to write a newsletter article about her recent experience adopting a dog.  We had to edit her article to make it fit, but wanted to share the full story and some more pictures with you.

ALWAYS EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED; OUR BEGINNINGS WITH RONDO
by Renee Nuth

As I travelled to the Irvine Animal Shelter on June 6, 2010, who would ever think my life would soon be changed by a little dog named Jimmy.

The Irvine Animal Shelter was hosting the Super Adoption Event at which Paws of the Planet’s booth was located in the perfect place for exposure of what we do. We were able to express our accomplishments and future goals, especially our black bandana campaign.

As I greeted visitors to our booth, a volunteer from the Carson Animal Shelter stopped to inquire, and in her arms was a sweet faced dog. When Kathleen placed one of our blue bandanas on him, I considered adopting him. This was improbable due to a house full of felines. My mother has physical care of said felines. Was this just a phase which would pass? My mother and I later agreed, if he was not adopted through this wonderful event, we would foster Jimmy for a trial period.

The next day, I contacted the Carson Animal Shelter, who advised that he was not adopted by any person, but was removed from the shelter by an animal rescue center and would not provide any further information. A supporter of RUFF (Rescue Unwanted Furry Friends) contacted me by the end of that afternoon and coordinated my communication with the representative from RUFF. Within an hour, the date and time to meet had been set for the adoption/fostering interview. As the days progressed, the excitement overwhelmed me; however, a miscommunication occurred between facilities. Jimmy had been placed on Pet Finder and a waiting list was up to 4 people for the interview process for adoption. Was he not meant to be with our family? Fortunately this did work out for us, and on Saturday, June 12th, he arrived in Laguna Woods.

Since he was found 2 weeks prior, in the streets of Carson and been shifted from shelter to rescue centers, I was a little uncertain of his reactions and demeanor. However, within the first 5 minutes, the attachment between my mother and little Jimmy was established. He was introduced to the cats soon thereafter, and it was a huge success for his new foster home, which became his permanent home within 48 hours, with the name change to Rondo. Two of the three cats still hiss to create a reaction from him; however, we tend to believe this is only a game with them. The cat with an enlarged heart enjoys his company, and even allows him to act out his herding instinct to protect her. It is enjoyable to watch them.

The adventures of Rondo have become quite the social time for all of us. Due to Rondo's socializing abilities, we have met many dogs and their owners. It seems approximately 85% of the Laguna Woods residents have adopted their dogs from shelters and rescues. These dogs are so loved by their owners that you feel there are many happy endings.

I am pleased with the great success of the event in which I not only provided my volunteer services, but gave a special dog a second chance.